With regard to Mr Grayling’s remarks on legally aided ‘criminals’ not having access to QCs, I assume he means that, if a defendant is so poor they need legal aid, they are only entitled to a lower standard (no insult to other barristers intended) than the prosecution.

First, Mr Grayling should be aware that they are not ‘criminals’ until a court, not a politician, says so.

Second, one can only assume from the justice secretary’s comments that he actually feels that accusation is sufficient evidence for conviction, and that we should do away with the trial altogether.

John Lockett, Burnley